Launch Of STEP UP And Be Safe Pedestrian Campaign

The arrival of November has not only ushered in higher electricity and beer prices, as well as the end of Daylight Saving Time, but this is traditionally the month police see an increase in the number of pedestrian-related crashes.

They’ve launched another pedestrian safety campaign, called “STEP UP and Be Safe”, aimed at keeping more people alert on the roads, which are shared with motorists.

Data from police indicates pedestrian fatalities make up approximately 60% of yearly traffic fatalities in the city. To date, 30 pedestrians have died from injuries sustained in collisions, which represents over 56% of the total of all traffic fatalities in Toronto from January 2015 to date.

And seniors, in particular, are among the most vulnerable sector of road-users. There have been 17 senior pedestrian fatalities, representing 56% of pedestrian fatalities, to date.

The campaign runs from November 2 to November 8, and police will be watching for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who commit offences in crosswalks, intersections, school zones and crossing areas frequented by seniors.

Pedestrians are encouraged to avoid using distracting electronic devices when interacting with vehicular traffic.